miniature leonardo

his studio was small silver shack on an outcropping, tiny really. i stood on the rocky shore and wondered how he expected us to cross without getting drenched. 'it's easy', he said, 'follow me'. i then mirrored his footsteps as we made our way and found purchase on nearly invisible rocks just barely breaking the surface of the turbulent water. a small yellow dog accompanied us and the man must have caught my worried expression as i looked at the dog because he said, 'don't be concerned about him, he knows the way.'. the wind was blowing fiercely and the air was full of sea spray but the little dog stepped as confidently and securely as a mountain goat. as we drew nearer i could see the waves licking the sides of his cabin and i was sure it would be a flooded, musty mess. once we were inside, i was surprised that as soon as he closed the door it was dry, quiet and warm as toast. 'i'm leaving soon' he said, 'this doesn't have much longer before it's under water.' we then spent some time talking about my portrait as i browsed some of his finished work. the dog found his favorite spot near the little stove and laid down to warm himself. i watched the man as he talked. his frame was small, but he was well muscled and fit, a little bantam rooster with a long grey beard and almost a full head of hair. i remember thinking he looked like a miniature Leonardo. i was grateful he was going to paint me but worried he would have to do it submerged. 'let's go back now.' he said. he buttoned up the cabin and i followed him back to his apartment. even though the street was sheltered, the cobblestones were wet. we snaked our way up some ancient stone stairs and finally reached his apartment. his housemate had already packed up the majority of it's contents. the man then began to run down his itinerary; lots of switching modes of transport and crossing boarders. i looked at the dog again. 'don't worry', he said, my neighbor alphonso will keep him safe until we come back to get him. i remember feeling relieved that i would not have to adopt the little yellow dog.